The secret formula : how a mathematical duel inflamed Renaissance Italy and uncovered the cubic equation
(Book)
Author
Contributors
Sangalli, Arturo, 1940- translator.
Published
Princeton : Princeton University Press, [2020].
Status
Central - Adult Nonfiction
510.92 TOSCA
1 available
510.92 TOSCA
1 available
Copies
Location | Call Number | Status |
---|---|---|
Central - Adult Nonfiction | 510.92 TOSCA | Available |
Description
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Published
Princeton : Princeton University Press, [2020].
Format
Book
Physical Desc
viii, 161 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm
Language
English
Notes
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 145-155) and index.
Description
The Secret Formula tells the story of two Renaissance mathematicians whose jealousies, intrigues, and contentious debates led to the discovery of a formula for the solution of the cubic equation. Niccolò Tartaglia was a talented and ambitious teacher who possessed a secret formula--the key to unlocking a seemingly unsolvable, two-thousand-year-old mathematical problem. He wrote it down in the form of a poem to prevent other mathematicians from stealing it. Gerolamo Cardano was a physician, gifted scholar, and notorious gambler who would not hesitate to use flattery and even trickery to learn Tartaglia's secret. Set against the backdrop of sixteenth-century Italy, The Secret Formula provides new and compelling insights into the peculiarities of Renaissance mathematics while bringing a turbulent and culturally vibrant age to life. It was an era when mathematicians challenged each other in intellectual duels held outdoors before enthusiastic crowds. Success not only enhanced the winner's reputation, but could result in prize money and professional acclaim. After hearing of Tartaglia's spectacular victory in one such contest in Venice, Cardano invited him to Milan, determined to obtain his secret by whatever means necessary. Cardano's intrigues paid off. In 1545, he was the first to publish a general solution of the cubic equation. Tartaglia, eager to take his revenge by establishing his superiority as the most brilliant mathematician of the age, challenged Cardano to the ultimate mathematical duel. A lively and compelling account of genius, betrayal, and all-too-human failings, The Secret Formula reveals the epic rivalry behind one of the fundamental ideas of modern algebra.
Language
Translated from the Italian.
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Citations
APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)
Toscano, F., & Sangalli, A. (2020). The secret formula: how a mathematical duel inflamed Renaissance Italy and uncovered the cubic equation . Princeton University Press.
Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)Toscano, Fabio and Arturo Sangalli. 2020. The Secret Formula: How a Mathematical Duel Inflamed Renaissance Italy and Uncovered the Cubic Equation. Princeton University Press.
Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)Toscano, Fabio and Arturo Sangalli. The Secret Formula: How a Mathematical Duel Inflamed Renaissance Italy and Uncovered the Cubic Equation Princeton University Press, 2020.
MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)Toscano, Fabio, and Arturo Sangalli. The Secret Formula: How a Mathematical Duel Inflamed Renaissance Italy and Uncovered the Cubic Equation Princeton University Press, 2020.
Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.
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